Column of the Day: Fashion and Style

The Baltimore Sun

Published Monday, December 06, 2004

Ah, the holidays -- parties, gatherings, get-togethers and the ever present question: "What do I wear?" Here are some holiday looks for this season that won't disappoint, no matter where you're going or what you're doing:

When it comes to party dresses, go for such ultra-feminine touches as a corsage of satin flowers, a skirt of flowing chiffon or a sexy strapless silhouette. Choose a tailored shape or a flirty one, just as long as it has some vintage appeal.

Play Peek-a-Boo With Your Sweater: From latke-frying marathons to cocoa-swilling fiestas, casual gatherings abound during the holidays. Update the usual pants and a sweater ensemble by adding a little twist this year. The ubiquitous turtleneck sweater goes luxurious in cashmere and modern with a 3/4-length sleeve. Layer it over a lace-trimmed camisole, which you oh so casually allow to peek out below the hem of the sweater, add a pair of corduroys or velvet jeans and you're done.

A Jewel of a Face: For makeup this season, think soft and shimmery for lids and cheeks,and choose colors for eyes and lips that evoke diamonds, rubies and peridot. M.A.C.'s Adorn line is a true gem. Our favorites include green-blue peridot and silvery mauve amethyst eye shadows, opal white Scent Me lip gloss and frosty red Ruby Darling lipstick.

So Sweet, So Simple: Holiday dresses for babies are precious things. Velvet, organza, lace and woolen smocked dresses with Peter Pan collars all suggest the season. And their scratchy textures and "Dry Clean Only" labels are enough to make any parent cringe. Our favorite little person's dress this season is made from baby-soft cotton pinwale corduroy, trimmed in faux Sherpa knit and embellished with embroidered snowflakes.